Each year BHP students join the Deloitte family through internships and full-time positions. Deloitte works with clients in four key business areas — audit, financial advisory, tax and consulting. We are pleased to have them as a partner for BHP this year. Students will have the opportunity to interact with their team members at multiple events throughout the year. We asked some of our recent BHP graduates working for Deloitte to share more about their experiences working for the company, as well as offer advice to current students.
Rebecca Robertson – Technology Consultant, Austin Office
BHP and MIS, 2011
Describe your favorite project so far in your role: I’ve been on 5 different projects since starting with the firm, and all of my experiences have been fantastic! I’ve had the ability to travel to multiple states (including a trip to Canada), work in 5 different industries, and understand the unique issues that our clients face. Each project has been a stepping stone as I build my consulting skills, gain technical experience, and begin to think from a client’s perspective.
What is the best thing about working at Deloitte: Deloitte goes to great lengths to support its people and help them achieve personal and professional goals. For example, I am heading back to grad school next fall fully sponsored by Deloitte through a program called GSAP (Grad School Assistance Program).
How would you describe the Deloitte culture: Deloitte is made up of smart, motivated, and energetic people. I enjoy coming to work every day because of the people that make up my project teams. We also take the phrase “work hard, play hard” very seriously.
Top traits you are looking for from a student interested in working for Deloitte: It may seem counter-intuitive, but when we hire students into our technology consulting group, we aren’t necessarily looking for those that are experts in computer programming. We interact a lot with the students we recruit to understand their personalities and determine if they would be a good fit with our culture. Ever heard of the “airport test”? We definitely use it!
Advice for current students: Your undergraduate experience is all about prepping you for the “real-world” in whatever field you decide to pursue. I would encourage students to try new ideas and don’t be afraid to be wrong or make mistakes. McCombs is the best environment to learn from failures.
Name: Michael Koetting – Consultant in Strategy and Operations (S&O), Dallas Office
Finance, BHP, Plan II, 2012
Describe your favorite project so far in your role: I got to work on the team managing and executing Deloitte Consulting’s sponsorship for SXSW Interactive. My role bounced all over the place to include executive communication, content design and development, all the way to band screenings for our major event.
What is the best thing about working at Deloitte: The people are awesome. Almost as awesome as the alternative travel program.
How would you describe the Deloitte culture: Supportive
Top traits you are looking for from a student interested in working for Deloitte: Passion for learning and a quick learner, strong communication skills are all consulting traits in general. Deloitte specific, be a people person for sure.
Advice for current students: Succeeding in the classroom is important but a strong network is just as important
Yolanda Han – Tax Senior, Houston Office
BHP and MPA, 2012
Describe your favorite project so far in your role: With Deloitte Tax, it is more common to have long-term clients rather than just one project at a time that you complete and then move on from. My favorite client/project I have been on was an oil and gas client with both partnership and oil and gas specific issues. I worked directly with the senior manager on my questions to get to our final deliverables. Due to the unique staffing of this client, I had the opportunity to step up and take ownership of the client. I was able to really grow my skills and gain technical experience while taking on a role greater than my title at the time.
What is the best thing about working at Deloitte: I love all of the people that I get the opportunity to work with at Deloitte. Whether it’s my peers or the partners at this firm, everyone genuinely cares about my well-being and happiness. I have found some great mentors at this firm and have discovered how much this firm invests in each individual’s growth.
How would you describe the Deloitte culture: I think Deloitte has a very open, supportive, and friendly culture. Whether its client work, personal issues, or your career path, you could reach out to anyone you run into at Deloitte and that person will take the time to help you. It is very much a community in which everyone supports one another and is invested in each other.
Top traits you are looking for from a student interested in working for Deloitte: We are always looking for students who are driven, eager to learn, work well in teams, and have strong communication skills. All of our work is done in different project teams and these skills become crucial both for interacting with the client and interacting with the team in order to work towards a successful end deliverable.
Advice for current students: McCombs offers a wealth of opportunities to grow and get your foot out the door. I would encourage students to build their relationships with their professors, to pick their brains and learn about their backgrounds and real-world experiences. McCombs also offers a multitude of workshops to prep their students for the “real world” from etiquette dinners to mock interviews. I would recommend students take advantage of all of these programs at their disposal in order to learn about all of their options and practice their skills.
Julie Chong – Audit Senior Assistant, Dallas Office
BHP 2012, MPA 2013
Describe your favorite project so far in your role: My favorite project has been analyzing financial statements of nonprofit organizations in the Dallas area for those that applied to receive a grant. It was interesting to take an inside look at how nonprofits operate financially and socially and ultimately be a part of future social efforts in my community.
What is the best thing about working at Deloitte: Deloitte truly cares about its people. They know that happy employees want to do a good job and they enjoy their time at work. Deloitte recognizes that and motivates us with an unheard of number of paid time off (in addition to holidays), push for work/life balance, and other benefits.
How would you describe the Deloitte culture: Work hard, play hard!
Top traits you are looking for from a student interested in working for Deloitte: We look for students who are authentic and who strive to be key team players.
Advice for current students: Figure out what your top priorities/values are in life and stick to them. Don’t let your job or location determine that for you.
